CALL TO ARMS Brunswick Civil War Round Table

Wally Rueckel, President. [email protected] or 910-253-7382 November 2011 Pat Evans, Newsletter Editor. [email protected] or 910-523-0297 Volume II, Issue 9 Mike Powell, Newsletter Co-editor. [email protected]

Location: Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E. Nash St., Southport, across from the Post Office First Tuesday of each month (except July and August) Registration: 6:30pm Program: 7:00pm

BCWRT is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization with a current membership of 301

NEXT MEETING IS TUES., November 1, 2011

In This Issue

Pg 2 President‘s Corner Pg 7 Do you Know These People? 150 Years Ago November, 1861 Ladies‘ Department Pg 3 Synopsis October Speaker Pg 8 The Sutler Table Pg 4 November Speaker-Bob Mullauer Pg 9 History Revisited Pg 5 Patrick Ronayne Cleburne Do You Know – Answers Trip to Richmond Announcements-Information-Opportunities Pg 10 BCWRT Website

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President’s Corner Wally Rueckel

Last month‘s program by Brian Wills about my favorite confederate officer Nathan Bedford Forrest was very entertaining. However, I wish Brian would have said more about Forrest‘s military exploits so that you could have gotten a better understanding of his contributions to the confederate war effort. May be, next time.

I am writing this article as I am packing for BCWRT three day tour this weekend of the Seven Day Battlefields around Richmond. I have previously toured these sites with our guide Bobby Krick. He is the historian at the Richmond battle field parks and knows these sites and interesting stories about what went on during this part of the war. I am sure the group of us going will have a great time and I look forward to sharing our experiences with you. Let‘s hope the weather holds up. Max Williams has already arranged for Bobby to speak to us in the fall of next year.

Our next meeting will be November 1 with Bob Mullauer, President of the Baltimore Maryland Round Table speaking about the battle of Franklin . This was one of the major Civil War battles fought in the West but I would wager that very few of you know what happened or why it was important. Come and find out.

Let us hear from you if you have any comments or suggestions about our round table [email protected]

150 YEARS AGO – NOVEMBER.1861

The fall of 1861 saw a lull in the fighting, despite a call on both sides for offensive action. Nov. 1 –George McClellan replaced the aged as Commander in Chief of Union forces Nov. 6 – ―Provisional‖ president, , was elected as permanent president of the Confederate States. Nov. 7 – Flag Officer Samuel Du Pont sailed into and captured Port Royal Sound, SC., securing another important coastal base for the USN. Grant fought his first action at Belmont, Mo., and gained valuable experience for fighting the battles to come. Nov. 13 – Lincoln and his aides visited McClellan, at his home, to urge him to action. McClellan snubbed the president and went to bed leaving the president waiting in the parlor. Nov. 21 –Judah Benjamin replaced Secretary of War Leroy Pope Walker Nov. 26 – A convention at Wheeling adopted a constitution for a new state called West

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SYNOPSIS OCTOBER SPEAKER

BRIAN WILLIS

Dr. Brian Wills gave us an evening of fanciful Forrest anecdotes. This is never an easy thing but Brian does it exceedingly well. We are looking at a middle of the road man who likes living life in the ―grey area.‖ (Pun intended) Certainly not stupid, but without formal education (he never learned to spell). Nathan is a complex man who would rather beat you with his brain than his fist. Jim McPherson calls him ―a killing machine!‖ With 33 personal kills and 24 horses shot from under him, do you see why? Put him in that box and he wiggles out. He will be remembered mostly as a self-educated, innovative leader who invented mobile warfare. Even General Patton studied his strategies and tactics as late as World War II. Castigate him as the first of that secret vigilante group, The , with their horrible reign of terror and once again he wiggles loose. He states that he also went after , and Republicans! He is thus remembered as a leading Southern advocate in the postwar and reconstruction. MOST UNUSUAL is a good descriptor of Nathan. His life is a ―hard scrabble‖ struggle from the start. Dogged determination, a quick wit, accomplished ―yarn‖ spinner, shrewd gambler and an imposing presence (six feet plus and lanky) usually got him what he wanted. Resist and he will surely hurt you any way he can. He has made a fortune as a planter, real estate investor and slave trader. He was worth1.5 million in 1861. Neither Army has many officers who enlisted as a and became a division commander. This ―Wizard of the saddle‖ was to be the most highly regarded cavalry commander of the Confederacy. His heroism at the Battle of Fallen Timbers shows remarkable courage. You just had to be there to hear Dr. Wills‘ wonderful retelling of the story that almost cost Nathan his life. Brice‘s Crossroads was his greatest victory. In 1864 his 3500 men swept 8500 Union Soldiers from the field. He got the scare in them and kept it there! No doubt more of his well-known phrases were used. Can you hear him say: ―Get there on time with just enough?‖ How about this: ―Boys, charge them BOTH ways-get ‗em from the rear and kill some damn Yankees.‖ Yes, he had a very foul mouth. His beloved Mary Ann Montgomery tamed him, and Nathan proposed on their third date. Forrest was a one woman man who embraced Christianity late in their life together. The Fort Pillow massacre as well as his Klan involvement ―colors‖ much of his legacy. Perhaps his highest compliment comes from : ―There were two geniuses in the Civil War – and Nathan Bedford Forrest.‖ Maybe a better legacy for one of the South‘s finest heroes could be: An untutored genius who was always there first with just enough?‖ Submitted by Dan Fink

Seated is Dr. Brian Wills with Wally Rueckel & Tom O‘Donnell

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November Speaker: Bob Mullauer “Hood in Tennessee: The Battle of Franklin”

Date: Tuesday, November 1st Time: Registration and refreshments: 6:30. Everyone is welcome! Location: Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E. Nash St., Southport. (Across from the Southport Post Office)

Topic: “Hood in Tennessee: The Battle of Franklin”

Program overview: This battle has been called ―The Bloodiest Hours of the .‖ It lasted only five hours resulting in over 10,000 dead, wounded or missing in an area only 2 miles long and 1 ½ miles wide at Carter Farm in Franklin, Tennessee. The battle decimated Gen. ‘s army and ended the Confederacy‘s hopes in the West.

Guest presenter: Bob Mullauer, Civil War historian. Bob currently teaches military history courses in several colleges around Baltimore; is a guide for Civil War battlefield tours, including Gettysburg, Antietam and Chickamauga; is a frequent guest speaker at Round Tables around the country, a group discussion panelist on various military topics; and, is currently president of the Baltimore Civil War Round Table.

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This Irish immigrant settled in Arkansas and became a druggist and lawyer. When war came he formed the Yell Rifles, and began one of the most illustrious war careers on either side. An aggressive, reliable commander, at every level, served exclusively in the Western Theater. In the campaign, in 1864, he seemed to be the logical choice for command of a corps, but was passed over after his idea that slaves should be given freedom, in exchange for service in the Confederate army, made its way to Richmond authorities. Nicknamed ―Stonewall of the West‖, he died in action, at the Battle of Franklin. For further information see: Dean Thomas, ―Civil War Commanders: Craig Symonds, ―Stonewall of the West‖ Muriel P. Joslyn, ―A Meteor Shining Brightly‖ Howell and Elizabeth Purdue, ―Pat Cleburne‖ Irving Buck, ―Cleburne and His Command‖

TRIP TO RICHMOND BATTLEFIELD TRIP OCT 15-17, 2011 RICHMOND RICHOND……………………..

The 17 participants that went on the trip, including our Wilmington friends were treated to two days of history, on the Civil War, we will not soon forget. Our guide R. E. L. Krick showed why the knowledge and experience of a first class guide can make your visits to battlefields so much more valuable than just reading the books. Bobby had access to parts of the battlefield, not open to the public, and he has permission to visit private property that the normal visitor cannot get near. His knowledge of the current efforts being made to preserve battlefields will only improve the visitor‘s experience. It is by far the best way to see and understand the battle, and take away more knowledge.

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Of the , June 25-July 1, 1862, we visited all of the major battlefields. From the Dabbs House we moved on to Beaver Creek Dam and the beginning of McClellan‘s retreat. We went to Gaines Mill and the scene of the breakthrough, by Hood‘s Division, near the Watts House. After this, McClellan announced he was changing his base from White House Landing, on the Pamunkey, to the James River, and the safety of his gunboats. Gaines Mill was Lee‘s first major offensive battle of his career. From this time on, Richmond was saved, the campaign became one of Lee chasing Mcclellan‘s forces, trying to cut them off from the river, or destroy as much of the massive Federal army as they could. The Federals tried to hold off the aggressive Confederates at Savage‘s Station, to save as much of their supplies from the huge depot, before burning its contents, and continuing the retreat. At White Oak Swamp (Glendale) fought on June 30, the Confederates missed one of the best opportunities they would ever have of destroying a large part of McClellan‘s army. and others had not been able to coordinate an attack that would have devastated the Federal army. As it was, the Federal army was again allowed to retreat, this time to Malvern Hill. The ground there is not as sloped as the name may imply. However, the terrain, on three sides of the ―bowling alley‖ shaped plateau, is very sloped and over rough ground. These features forced the Confederates to attack down the ―bowling alley‖ right into the Federal and . Lee‘s army suffered the highest casualties of the Seven Days Battles, here on July 1, 1862. Malvern Hill holds a special meaning for one of our members on the trip, John Lawter, as 7 of his relatives fought here in Ransom‘s Brigade of North Carolinians At the end of the first day, we went to Yellow Tavern, part of the 1864 , where Phil Sheridan‘s forces engaged, defeated, and killed J. E. B. Stuart. A monument to the fallen hero marks the spot of the battle. We had a special visit from J. E. B. Stuart V, a direct descent of the cavalryman. It was very special to see our own, Bob Maffitt, descendent of John Maffitt, famous Wilmington blockade runner, meet with the ancestor of the famous cavalryman. We finished our tour, on the second day, at Cold Harbor, also from the 1864 campaign. This was the scene of battle where Grant suffered his worst defeat at the hands of R. E. Lee. We walked a part of the seven miles of well-preserved entrenchments, along both lines. To see these entrenchments dug so long ago, as far as you can see, it truly is an incredible sight. Seeing all of these battlefields with Bobby Krick, made a trip no one who was there, will soon forget. Thanks to all who participated and helped along the way. We are already thinking of where to go next year.

Taken from the reports written by members Tom O‘Donnell and John Walsh

For photos and more details of the trip go to : www.brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com and click on ―Field Trips‖ from the menu bar.

Some comments from those that attended: ―Great—it‘s well planned and our guide is the best. Viewing entire battlefields –such as Gaines Mill – with his expertise, provides an understanding you cannot get any other way.‖ ―This is terrific. On other tours you do not get a sense of the battle, as you do on this one. We are getting to places that few see, with an excellent guide, in a small group.‖ ―As someone who has been to these battlefields several times, it was being able to access parts of the battlefield – private property and land not available to the general public – that you can only see with an authorized guide. Looking across the ground, with a map in hand, listening to an expert, surely must be the best way to learn the history of that battle. Visiting a battlefield is both fun and informative, but going with a guide, is the best.‖

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1) 2) 3) 4)

DO YOU KNOW THESE PEOPLE?

5) 6) 7)

The Ladies’ Department

Victorian Sexual Attitudes Just how did people perceive the Victorian image of women as seen in photos and paintings? Were there messages of sin hidden in those images? Keep in mind how different the attitudes are from those of today in the 21st century.  In the nineteenth century it was all about attitude and perception.  The woman‘s attitude, posture and body language put her into a specific social class.  A lady would never have her image struck in her under-pinning.  Women of questionable character were usually actresses, coquettes, or perceived prostitutes.  The female thigh was an erogenous zone for Civil War era men and was always covered.  Something unseen was more mysterious and desirable than that on display.  The woman‘s chest was thought of as a functional part of her anatomy because they were a source of nourishment for infants, therefore, utilitarian objects.  A man‘s object of desire was lower, hidden from view under many under garments.  It was not proper for a woman‘s legs to be outlined under her clothes or for the legs to be exposed. There are some period images that give examples of the messages revealed. The pictures cannot be printed here but perhaps the descriptions will help. What do they tell you? 1. A young lady sitting with fallen hair, flesh exposed both top and bottom, with the result of her indiscretion on her lap (an infant). 2. A woman behind her kneeling with thigh and calf well-defined under her skirt. Her chemise has dropped from her shoulders, and the hair has loosened like her friend‘s. How is she interpreted? White middle class women were believed to be pure, sexless beings that harbored within themselves a sleeping beast. This so-called beast was thought to be awakened by excessive horseback riding, dancing, reading romance novels, exposure to improper company, etc. Prostitutes were often depicted by artists with eyes that are almond shaped.

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3. Another image is of a man and woman traveling alone in a railcar. She‘s properly dressed in a bonnet, gloves, coat fastened, and skirts that are smoothed over her thighs. Her expression, while looking directly at you, gives a hint of mischief. 4. The second image portrays a woman embarrassed having behaved improperly depicted by the placement and arrangement of her clothing, bonnet removed fallen hair and the outline of her thighs. The man‘s tie is loosened and his outerwear removed and is sleeping. According to the Victorians, a woman who is seen drinking too much, wild dancing, sexual displays, immodest dress, crossing of the legs, and wearing a man‘s hat are all Victorian perceptions of a loose woman ( a loose woman was one who did not wear a corset).

Medically Speaking  Due to a frequent shortage of water, surgeons often went days without washing their hands or instruments, thereby passing germs from one to another as he treated them. These infections were ―surgical fevers‖ or Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.  Exposure turned many cases of normal colds into pneumonia which was the third leading killer disease of the war, after typhoid and dysentery.  To halt the spread of disease, the doctors used many cures. For open bowels, a plug of opium was used.  Closed bowels were treated with ―blue mass‖ (a mixture of mercury and chalk).  For scurvy, green vegetables were prescribed.  Opium. Quinine and muster plasters were used for pneumonia and bronchitis and sometimes bleeding.  Camp itch (lice or fleas) was treated with poke-root solution. Terminology Fairy Light was a lamp made by floating sweet, burning balls of gum in a saucer of melted lard. Used mostly in the South. Engageante was a false sleeve that was a popular feature of women‘s garments in the nineteenth century. Flounce was a strip of gathered or pleated material attached to the hem of a dress, gown, or crinoline to help protect it from contact with the ground. References Topping, Elizabeth. ―Secret Messages of Sin‖, The Citizen’s Companion, February-March, 2006, Volume XII-Number 6, pg. 31-36. ―Civil War Facts‖, http://www.civilwar.n2genealogy.com/facts/info-medicine.html Varhola, Michael O. Life in Civil War America. , OH: Family Tree Books, 2011, pg. 156.

“THE SUTLER TABLE”

BOOKS, BCWRT SHIRTS AND CAPS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE SUTLER TABLE DURING THE NOVEMBER MEETING.

What‘s new about shirts and caps? Lots! We now have approximately 30 shirts available for sale at our November 1 meeting. If the style, size or color you want is not there, we can order it for you and have it ready in 7- 10 days. Prepayment is not necessary. Remember, these make great gifts for the holidays while showing support for our Round Table and encouraging interest in our local and national history. Please remember also to bring in any books you may want to donate. For a current list of available books for sale, please contact Barbara [email protected] or Pat [email protected]..

See you at the Sutler Table!

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HISTORY REVISITED – JEB STUART MEETS BLOCKADE RUNNER ROBERT MAFFITT

DO YOU KNOW THESE PEOPLE?

ANSWERS 1) George Armstrong Custer—Union cavalry officer 2) Abner Doubleday—Union officer and baseball founder 3) Mary Chestnut – Richmond diarist 4) Nathan Bedford Forrest – Confederate cavalry officer 5) James Garfield –Union officer and president 6) – abolitionist, humanitarian and spy 7) John Bell Hood – Confederate general

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ANNOUNCEMENTS-INFORMATION-OPPORTUNITIES

CIVIL WAR TRUST www.cwpt.org One of the best websites that I have found to help understand the Civil WAR and enhance the round table experience is that of the Civil War Trust. The site provides excellent detailed, color maps of the campaigns and battles of the war. We want to make sure everyone knows how to access this site and make the most of it. Here‘s how to do it. 1) go to www.cwpt.org – this will get you to their home page. 2) On the menu task bar, click on ―BATTLEFIELDS‖. From here, you can select battles by state, or by battle. The list of battles is extensive. 3) Select the battle you want to view and the page will come up showing maps and a brief description, along with any related articles available on that battle. The articles are written by leading historians from around the country. This page also allows you to locate historical maps that also relate to that battle. When you click on ―BATTLEFIELDS‖, you will also see the ―BATTLE APPS‖ function. This will take you to an animated map showing troops in movement for the selected battle. 4) To print the map you have selected, click on ―DOWNLOAD.PDF‖ and this will bring up a standalone map that you can print.

Before your next trip to a Civil War battlefield, or even to a BCWRT meeting, visit this site and print out the related maps to increase your understanding of what you see and hear. The website provides a lot of information if you choose to explore it. The main function of this organization, as their name indicates, is to preserve American Civil War sites and battlefields. We all agree that keeping our history and heritage alive is important, so if you are able, help them out, they are helping us.

BCWRT WEBSITE

The Brunswick Civil War Round Table's website is now up and running. The BCWRT website can be found under brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com or brunswickcivilwarroundtable.org. All of the information on the website is available to everyone except for the newsletter - Call to Arms. which is available to members. Your username and password is required to view the newsletter. Be sure to check out the list of presenters already lined up for our 2011/2012 year. There is also information on current Round Table sponsored trips and write-ups on trips already taken. Be sure to check out the Links page for other organizations involved in the Civil War.

Members should have received an email with their login information including username and password. Everyone's default password is their email address. Junk mail filters will likely impede the delivery of many of those emails. If you did not receive this e-mail please check your spam folder first. For the people who did not received the e-mail due to incorrect or no e-mail address provided to the club, please contact Kathy O'Donnell at [email protected]. The website is updated frequently so please keep checking in on us.

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